The New Orleans Pelicans are poised to shake things up this season with a bold new strategy. Zion Williamson, traditionally listed as a power forward but often functioning more as a wing, may start the new season in an unfamiliar role—center. Standing at 6-foot-6, Williamson lacks the conventional attributes of a center, such as significant rebounding and rim protection skills. Yet, the team's decision signals a potential paradigm shift in how they optimize Williamson’s unique skill set.
Last season marked a turning point for Williamson. In the best shape of his career, he demonstrated notable improvement by appearing in a career-high 70 regular-season games. "In the best shape of his career, Williamson showed that he could handle heavy minutes while carrying a heavy playmaking load and competing defensively like never before," noted James Herbert.
However, Williamson’s season wasn't without its challenges. During a high-stakes play-in game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Williamson strained his hamstring while executing a crucial floater over Anthony Davis. The injury cast a shadow over what had been one of his finest performances, wherein he scored 40 points and led a fourth-quarter comeback that ultimately fell short. "The shot gave him 40 points; on one of the biggest stages of his career, he had come through with one of his finest games, leading a fourth-quarter comeback that would fall short after he checked out," Herbert recounted.
League Movements and Key Performances
In other notable offseason movements, Paul George signed with the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency after five years with the Los Angeles Clippers. "And so, five years after returning home to Los Angeles, George packed his bags and signed with Philadelphia in free agency," articulated Jack Maloney. Donovan Mitchell also made headlines by achieving career highs in assists, rebounds, and steals, adding more depth to his already impressive resume.
Kawhi Leonard, known for his consistency, played in 68 games last season, while Jaylen Brown emerged as a clutch performer, hitting pivotal shots during a remarkable playoff run. "He stamped his status with a spectacular playoff run, in which he hit the two biggest shots: the game-tying 3-pointer in the waning seconds of Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals and the game-sealing jumper in Game 3 of the Finals," Maloney stated.
Star Players and Milestones
Devin Booker stepped up for a Suns team lacking a point guard, showcasing his versatility and efficiency. "Booker has arguably become one of the most underrated players in the league and among the most efficient," praised Jasmyn Wimbish. Meanwhile, Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves to the Western Conference finals and was instrumental in Team USA’s gold medal victory over the summer.
Kevin Durant continued to impress, averaging 27-6-5 on 41% 3-point shooting and appearing in 75 games, his highest since leaving Golden State. Aging like fine wine, LeBron James became the oldest player to win an MVP award at the 2024 Olympics. "Sure, it's unreasonable to expect the impending quadragenarian to be the NBA's best player over the course of an 82-game season anymore, but make no mistake, in a smaller sample, there still might not be a single player in all of basketball that inspires more fear in his opponents than LeBron James," encapsulated Editor Sam Quinn.
Celtics Making History
The Boston Celtics clinched their league-leading 18th championship, solidifying their place in the annals of basketball history. Jayson Tatum was a standout, making the All-NBA First Team for three consecutive seasons. He also surpassed Kobe Bryant for the most playoff points before turning 27 and led his team in points, rebounds, and assists during the championship run.
As the 2023-24 season unfolds, the stories of these remarkable athletes and their journey through triumphs and setbacks continue to capture the essence of professional basketball. The ever-evolving landscape promises more drama, achievements, and unforgettable moments, further enriching the sport's storied legacy.